Working overtime

When it comes to playing sports for point guard Lindsey Erickson, basketball is her first choice. Erickson is member of the Springfield, Mo., Crusaders competitive basketball team, but that doesn’t prevent her from being involved with other sports.

Erickson, 13, will be an eighth grader at Carver Middle School in Springfield, where she expects to be a three-sport athlete.

“I play softball, which really helps me with strength,” Erickson said. “I also run track which helps me with speed and endurance.”

During the first day of basketball competition in the 13-and-under girls basketball tournament of the Show-Me State Games on Friday, Erickson scored 11 points as the Crusaders defeated the Shooters from Middletown, Mo., 40-34.

The Crusaders are made up of girls from the eight middle schools in Springfield, who have shown what it takes to be all-stars. With the Crusaders leading by four after three quarters, Erickson scored six of her points in the fourth quarter to lead the team to victory. She made 6 of 10 free throws in the final quarter.

Erickson not only took control with her scoring, but also with her on-court leadership. Each time the Crusaders had possession, Erickson was screaming plays to her teammates and running the offense.

Toward the end of the game, Erickson was also diving for loose balls.

Even when Erickson isn’t playing sports, she’s playing sports.

“I usually go to the gym just to play around or work on shooting,” Erickson said.